The Journalist’s Medical Welfare Scheme is an initiative by the Government of Assam, designed to provide one-time financial assistance for medical treatment to accredited and recognized journalists, as well as their dependent family members. Launched in response to longstanding demands from the journalistic community, the scheme addresses critical medical needs arising from serious health conditions—including complicated ailments requiring long-term treatment, expensive surgeries (e.g., cardiological, nephrological, oncological, neurological, gastroenterological, endocrine, etc.), injuries from accidents, and incurable chronic diseases. The scheme is administered by a committee constituted by the Information & Public Relations Department (DIPR) of Assam, with the Director of DIPR holding delegated D.D.O. powers.
Benefits
- One-Time Financial Assistance:
- Up to ₹50,000/- for disorders that are not life-threatening.
- Up to ₹1,00,000/- for life-threatening disorders.
- Coverage:
- Assistance is provided for the medical treatment of accredited/recognized journalists as per the Assam Press Correspondents (Accredited/Recognized) Rules, 1989.
- The scheme also extends benefits to the dependent family members of the journalist.
- Funding:
- Financial aid is provided out of the interest accrued from the scheme’s corpus fund.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Citizenship & Residency:
- The applicant must be a citizen of India and an ordinary resident of Assam.
- Professional Status:
- The applicant must be a journalist formally accredited or recognized by the DIPR, Assam, according to the Assam Press Correspondents (Accredited/Recognized) Rules, 1989.
- Medical Need:
- The applicant should be suffering from serious ailments that require extensive and expensive medical treatment, including surgeries, organ transplants, and treatments for chronic and life-threatening conditions.
- Dependent Coverage:
- The scheme also covers the medical needs of the journalist’s dependent family members.
General Note:
Financial assistance is not an absolute right; it is granted based on the committee’s evaluation of the merits and eligibility of each case, subject to the availability of funds. The committee reserves the right to accept or reject applications without providing reasons.
Application Process (Offline)
- Obtain Application Form:
- Download the appropriate application form from the DIPR Assam website:
- Submission:
- Submit the completed form in the prescribed format to the Convener of the Committee (Director, DIPR, Assam), along with a detailed report in the required format and all supporting documents.
- Processing:
- The DIPR initiates proposals for assistance, and in cases of urgency or emergency, decisions may be taken by the Chairperson. These decisions are later ratified in subsequent committee meetings.
- Verification:
- The committee scrutinizes all applications and may request additional certificates or evidence regarding the applicant’s financial and medical situation.
- Disbursement:
- Once the application is approved, financial assistance is provided on the date specified in the sanction order.
Documents Required
- Identity Documents:
- Attested or self-attested copy of the DIPR Identity Card.
- Identity Card of the current organization.
- Bank Details:
- Copy of the Bank Passbook (front page) and a cancelled cheque.
- Medical Documentation:
- Admission Certificates, Discharge Certificates, Prescriptions, Bills/Vouchers, and Clinical Reports.
- Proof of Identity:
- Copy of PAN Card or Aadhaar Card.
- Additional Evidence:
- Other certificates and documents that demonstrate the current financial situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the benefit of this scheme?
- The scheme provides one-time financial assistance for the medical treatment of accredited and recognized journalists, as well as their dependents.
- What does the scheme cover?
- It covers treatment for complicated ailments requiring long-term or expensive interventions, including surgeries, organ transplants, and treatment of chronic or life-threatening diseases.
- Who is recognized as an Accredited Journalist?
- Journalists formally accredited or recognized by the DIPR, Assam under the Assam Press Correspondents (Accredited/Recognized) Rules, 1989.
- How is the financial assistance extended?
- Assistance is granted based on the severity of the ailment, with funds ranging up to ₹50,000/- for non-life-threatening conditions and up to ₹1,00,000/- for life-threatening conditions.
- Who can apply for this scheme?
- Accredited or recognized journalists in Assam and their dependent family members.
- How will the payment be made to beneficiaries?
- The financial assistance is disbursed directly, typically through bank transfers.
- Is this scheme only for journalists of Assam?
- Yes, only journalists who are residents of Assam and meet the accreditation criteria are eligible.
- How is the decision made in cases of urgency/emergency?
- Urgent cases may be approved by the Chairperson with subsequent approval by the Committee.
- How can I apply under this scheme?
- Download the application form from the DIPR website, complete it with all required documents, and submit it offline to the Convener (Director, DIPR, Assam).